BY BETHEENA UNITE
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Various smuggled food products found in a warehouse in Angeles City, Pampanga have been disposed of by the Port of Clark, the Bureau of Customs said Thursday.
A total of 1,226 cartons of Peking duck; several boxes of meat products such as chicken feet, hotdog, and nuggets; fish and seafood products, including “espada” (black scabbardfish), baby lobster, crab sticks, and octopus tentacles; and various Chinese condiments were condemned.
The smuggled products were discovered in a warehouse in Barangay Anunas during an inspection carried out by agents of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) last June 11.
According to District Collector Ruby Alameda, the warehouse representative failed to provide proof of payment of duties and taxes covering the goods during the inspection. The goods were later seized and forfeited pursuant to Sections 224 and 1113 f & l (5) of Republic Act No. 10863 (CMTA) and Department of Agriculture Memorandum Order No. 01, Series of 2014.
“(This) activity aims to send a strong message to smugglers to stop their illegal business practices, shortchanging the government of the rightful revenues,” Alameda said.
The condemnation activity was attended by National Meat Inspection Service Director Orlando Ongsolo, Angeles City Veterinary Office head Dr. Allan Gamueda, and representatives from Bureau of Animal Industry and Customs Intelligence and Enforcement Units.
